HP today unveiled the successor to the award winning EX485 and EX487 MediaSmart Servers. Officially announced as the EX490 and EX495, both models include improved processors, more storage, and quieter internals. Building on the massive 2.5 software update back in April, these new MediaSmart Servers offer up the latest features and enhancements to innovative features like the HP Media Collector and HP Video Converter, as well as many more enhancments for both PC and Macs.

Read our full hands on review right here at MediaSmartHome.com

Full Press Release below:

PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 15, 2009 – HP today launched the HP MediaSmart EX490 and EX495 Home Servers, new models offering increased capacity, high-performance processors, more control, new user interface and additional Mac support ­– all at a lower price.

Based on the Microsoft Windows® Home Server platform, the updated HP MediaSmart Servers have a refined user interface and a web-based home page that makes accessing and using the server easier than ever. Additionally, the new models offer a new video converter with custom settings and profiles that will automatically convert video libraries, including unprotected DVDs.(1)

The explosion of digital content is attracting a new kind of buyer to the home server space,” said Jason Zajac, vice president and general manager, Worldwide Attach Group, HP. “This buyer wants all the power and capacity that past buyers wanted, but also wants it to be easy to use. The new MediaSmart ED490 and EX495 give them both.”

The MediaSmart Server features a new media collector, which allows users to collect media by computer, media type or file location. The server automatically collects and organizes media files across Macs and PCs and streams it across a home network and the Internet.(2)

The HP EX490 and EX495 offer additional features for Mac users, including administration, media collection and a new disc recovery utility providing bare metal recovery on a Mac using Time Machine.(3)

“The new release of HP MediaSmart Server software and hardware continues HP’s leadership in building compelling functionality on top of the Microsoft Windows Home Server platform,” said Russ Madlener, director, Solutions Marketing, Microsoft. “HP is delivering a true cross-platform product by adding the ability to administer the server from a Mac using Microsoft’s new Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac 2.”

The new video converter automatically converts videos, including unprotected DVDs, into a format that can be played at the home or remotely.(4) Users are able to control how their videos are converted by selecting the device the video will be played on or choosing specific video settings using the advanced controls features.

In addition, owners of an iPod touch and iPhone can download a free HP MediaSmart Server iStream application from the Apple App Store, enabling them to stay connected to their digital media stored on the server. Users can easily access their pictures, listen to their music collections and watch their favorite videos – all streamed directly to their mobile device from their HP MediaSmart Server.

MediaSmart Server EX490 and EX495 features include:

• New HP Media Collector
• New HP Video Converter
• Improved user interface with new web-based home page
• Mac administration, media collections and a new Mac disc recovery feature
• HP Media Streamer
• Server for iTunes
• PC Hard Drive Backup
• Server Backup
• Smart Power Management

Processors:

• EX495: Intel® Pentium® Dual Core
• EX490: Intel Celeron®; Two gigabytes (GB) of DRAM

Expandability: additional drives can be added for up to 7 terabytes (TB) internal storage and 17 TB of storage using internal and external drives.(6)

Pricing and availability

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the HP MediaSmart Server EX490 with 1 TB of hard disk storage is $549 while the HP MediaSmart Server EX495 with 1.5 TB is $699.(4)

The HP MediaSmart Server can be preordered beginning today. The servers will be introduced in select European countries beginning next month.

More information is available at www.hp.com/go/mediasmartserver.

About HP

HP, the world’s largest technology company, simplifies the technology experience for consumers and businesses with a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com/.
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(1) Wired or wireless home network required.
(3) Internet access required and sold separately.
(3) Requires Time Machine, a formatted USB Flash Drive and the original Mac OSX install disc.
(4) Estimated U.S. retail prices. Actual prices may vary.

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